Ralph Lauren quietly shuttered its two-year-old 20,000-square-foot store last week. Other brands are expected to close boutiques in a city that has lost its luster for cash-rich mainland Chinese tourists.

Pratt Institute will officially open the 15,000-square-foot space to help creative start-up companies on Tuesday morning.

STEP ON IT: Pratt Institute will officially open its Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator, a 15,000-square-foot space to help creative start-up companies, on Tuesday morning. With funding from the state, the borough of Brooklyn, and Pratt Institute, the Accelerator will be housed in the former Pfizer building in Williamsburg. Pratt’s Thomas F. Schutte, Pratt Institute’s BFDA Founder Debra Johnson, Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz and New York state senator Martin Golden are expected to address the crowd about the need for and economic benefits of supporting design-oriented companies.

WWD's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you by @styleontherise and is complete with the perfect presents for everyone on your list. Click the link in our bio to start shopping NOW. #WWDHoliday #Sponsored

@rebeccaminkoff is bringing self-checkout to high fashion: The brand has partnered with @queuehop to bring its customers self-checkout options, beginning this holiday season at its SoHo store. (📷: @aurorarosephoto)